Somerset Council has received a Safer Parking Award for the new look Crescent Car Park in Taunton, to go with its new cycling facilities and car charging points.

The town centre car park recently had a major refurbishment and has now received Park Mark accreditation from the Safer Parking Scheme recognising it as a clean, well-presented facility which creates a safer environment for customers.

This follows a police assessment as part of the initiative which aims to reduce the fear of crime in car parks.

The car park’s upgrades also cover sustainable travel and environmental improvements in line with Somerset Council’s vision for a greener and more sustainable county.

A new covered cycle shelter promotes cycling as a sustainable means of transport supporting healthy lifestyles. This shelter will become a gated and locked facility later in the year when it is due to be developed into Taunton’s first “bike hub” as part of a wider project.

Charging points have been installed to encourage uptake of electric vehicles in line with Somerset Council’s commitment towards becoming carbon neutral. Other environmental improvements include upgraded drainage systems and the planting of new trees.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Executive Member for Transport and Digital, said:

Receiving this award is a sign that we’re doing everything we can to prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime in our parking facility.

The Park Mark not only shows that we’ve put measures in place that help to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, but it also demonstrates that we’ve passed the requirements of quality management, appropriate lighting, effective surveillance, and a clean environment.

This is a great endorsement of our work to create one of the greenest, cleanest, safest car parks in Somerset.

The 137 standard car parking spaces all have more room between each bay enabling easier entry and exit for cars, and a further 12 parking spaces available to Blue Badge holders. There are also new dedicated motorcycle parking areas.

Somerset Council is a member of the Safer Parking Scheme managed by the British Parking Association on behalf of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Ltd, a subsidiary of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).